CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerline Aviation Services, a leading flight school in Charlotte, NC, has been recognized by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as a 2026 Distinguished Flight School, one of the highest honors in professional pilot training. The award was announced January 20, 2026, as part of the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards, based entirely on verified student feedback. 

The designation highlights Centerline's use of Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), advanced avionics training, and flight simulator training to deliver safer, more effective pilot training in North Carolina, preparing students for today's data-rich cockpits and future airline careers. Visit CenterlineAir.com for more information.

About the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards

AOPA, the world's largest aviation association, created the Flight Training Experience Awards to recognize flight schools and instructors who demonstrate exceptional standards in professionalism, instructional quality, and aviation safety training. Award recipients are selected exclusively through direct reviews submitted by student pilots, making the recognition one of the most respected peer-driven honors in modern flight training programs.

Why Centerline Aviation Services

Centerline Aviation Services' inclusion among the best flight schools in Charlotte, NC reflects its sustained commitment to student-centered flight instruction, glass cockpit training, and state-of-the-art simulators designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness.

One student reviewer noted:

"Centerline Aviation Services caters to individual student needs like none other I have experienced in my 28 years of aviation. The owners and staff go above and beyond to ensure training success— from one-on-one mentoring to simulator sessions during off hours to securing DPEs for check-rides. I cannot imagine a better experience."

According to owner and Chief Pilot Jim Rhoades-Baldwin, advanced technology plays a critical role in modern pilot readiness.

"Today's pilots face unprecedented data saturation, which can overwhelm decision-making and compromise safety," said Rhoades-Baldwin. "Our Technologically Advanced Aircraft allow us to present critical flight data in a clear, intuitive way—reducing workload and producing safer pilots. This approach prepares students not only for check-rides, but for real-world and airline pilot training environments."

This award will be presented by AOPA at Redbird's Migration event March 3, 2026. For more information visit: 2026 Migration .

AOPA, the world’s largest aviation association, created the Flight Training Experience Awards to highlight flight schools and instructors who consistently demonstrate high standards of professionalism, safety, and instructional quality. Award recipients are determined through direct feedback from students and pilots who submit detailed reviews of their training experiences. Schools earning the Distinguished Flight School designation are those that receive exceptionally high ratings across multiple performance categories.

Centerline Aviation Services’ inclusion on the 2026 list reflects its sustained commitment to student-centered instruction, effective communication, and a supportive learning environment. Reviewers praised the school for its knowledgeable instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and emphasis on safety and confidence-building throughout the training process. These elements combine to create a learning atmosphere that supports both new and returning pilots as they pursue their aviation goals.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of our students,” said a representative from Centerline Aviation Services. “Their feedback affirms the dedication our instructors and staff bring to every lesson and every flight.”